Doggone Etiquette —

So Many Choices

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

I’ll bet you’ve never thought about it, but there are all sorts of reasons why each one of you dogs is very special. Dogs come in just about every size, shape, color, coat, and temperament imaginable, and that means there is sure to be the perfect person (or whole family) for each of you. Whatever the people are looking for, one of you is sure to be able to fill the bill. The trick is to hit on the right combination, and that – dear dogs – is up to the people, not you. Unfortunately, they don’t always make the best choice for themselves, or for you, so let’s have a shot at putting those nice people on the right track.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Or that could read “… to an About-to-be Dog’s Owner” because this is the time of year when many people are thinking about expanding their family to include a dog. If that means you, or a good friend or relative who may need some helpful advice, let’s have a look at some of the common mistakes potential dog owners tend to make. The dogs, of course, never make mistakes! We all know that.

Are you toying with the idea of getting a dog, and “toy” is precisely what you have in mind? Well, there are many things to consider no matter what size dog you may be thinking to bring into your life. Often an elderly person thinks they’d like a small calm lap-dog and so searches among the various toy breeds. Some are definitely lap dogs, but because they are indeed small, and very quick, they can easily get underfoot. And under the feet of a person who is less than agile could mean serious trouble – like a 911 call. The advantages, however, include the need for far less exercise and food, as well as less living space than a larger dog. The toy breeds are truly pets and most enjoy being groomed, fussed over and in general, pampered. They are also apt to live a great deal longer than their larger canine relatives, living well into their late teens.

The easiest rule of aging to go by is that the larger the adult size of the dog, the shorter its life span. Those breeds referred to as “giants” (Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, etc.) age rapidly after six or seven years. These dogs, while easily trained and wonderful companions, have their own requirements to be with people. The first is a home with plenty of space both indoors and outdoors – for leisure and exercise. They also need owners who are not going to fall apart when the dog’s old age

occurs in so few years. A realistic approach is needed when acquiring any type of dog, and it is essential to accept its life span when considering a very small or the very large breed.

This is no doubt why the most popular breeds are in the mid-size range which takes in dogs from say 25-30 pounds (often thought to be small) to as much as 80 pounds (large, but not giant). Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers, which top the popularity charts, average 55 pounds for females up to 80 pounds for males.

Coat texture and whether or not it sheds can interfere with allergies and that is still another factor to consider in looking for the right dog. A good breeder will give you the stats on that. Also whether or not the coat can be easily cared for at home by you (or the kids) or must be regularly shampooed and trimmed by a groomer.

There are so many choices, and so many decisions to come up with! But isn’t it great that there definitely is the “right” dog out there for every person taking the time and trouble to search for it.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.